Metal, wood and synthetic, from budget to custom-built

The best snare drums in the world today

This is a constantly updated gallery of the best snare drums on the planet - from beginner and mid-priced wood or metal models to professional and high-end synthetic or custom-built beasts, there’s a snare here to suit every drummer and drumming style.

All the snares here are hand-picked from the pages of Rhythm magazine following a gruelling test process. So, have a browse and be sure to click through to read the full review for an in-depth look at each snare.

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PDP Blackout snare drum

£195

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"Another shining example of just what great value the current PDP range is, the Blackout is a cracker of a snare."

MusicRadar’s verdict:

Gretsch Full Range snare drums

From £316

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"By the number of wooden-hooped snares currently in production, such drums are clearly versatile enough for use as a main snare. This pair of Gretsch drums provides two more reasons to consider investing in an alternative to a metal-hooped snare."

Pearl Limited Edition Vintage Sensitone snare drum

£425

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"This drum may be modest-looking in comparison with its previous incarnation but is far from bashful. Solidly built and well finished, it's a characterful, authoritative and downright irresistible drum."

Ludwig Acrolite Classic snare drum

£519

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"The lightweight seamless aluminium shell is the ace in the hole of the distinctive bright tone of the Acrolite. A go-to, all-round drum - hard to fault. Whichever finish you choose the Acrolite is a classic."

Morgan Davies snare drums

From £529

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"We have here two of the finest drums imaginable. Every care has been taken with the choice of woods, veneers and finishes, the top quality lugs and hardware and the attention to detail is outstanding. The end result is that both drums sound great, particularly the glitter drum, which is as good as any we can remember reviewing."

BUY: Premier One Series snare drums currently available from:US: Guitar Center

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Tiki snare drums

£645

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"This is a fabulous pair of snares - each with their own particular sonic palette and personality. For the 13", some Latin, jazz-funk or jazz; the 14" drum would be versatile enough to cover just about any other genre."

DW Concrete snare drum

£803

MusicRadar’s verdict:

"DW has always pushed boundaries and this drum is another example of its willingness to experiment. A concrete shell makes a loud, solid and authoritative - if pricey - alternative to a traditional snare."